Royal Court (Jersey)

[1] The Court has its origins in the 13th century when, following the English Crown's loss of those portions of the Duchy of Normandy which are on the European mainland, King John decreed that Jersey should continue to be subject to Norman customary law.

The Royal Court exercised both judicial and legislative functions for the Island, although the power to make laws moved to the States Assembly in the 15th century.

Commissioners are part-time judges, appointed from the ranks of judges in the Commonwealth or senior experienced lawyers from the Channel Islands, United Kingdom or the Isle of Man, either for defined periods of time or for specific cases.

The master of the Royal Court deals with some preliminary matters in civil cases.

Unlike the Inferior Number, it can impose any sentence allowed by law, including imprisonment for more than four years.

The origin of the custom goes back to the jurisdiction of the viscount over the roads and paths of the Duchy of Normandy.

A panel of twelve voyeurs, made up of notable Parishioners nominated by the Connétable, is sworn in and leads the court on a circuit of roads around the parish, drawing the court's attention along the way to transgressions and encroachments that require judgment.

"[10] Judgment is given on the spot, although this may be an order that further investigations should take place and be reported to the Royal Court at a later date.